Q: We're noticing one of the guys you've been going to with regularity early this year is Michael Crabtree. How have you seen him mature and develop as a football player?

A: I think he's very confident in what we're doing, and what he's doing. He knows every position, we can put him anywhere. He does it all, and every time we call his number, he steps up and wins, and that's a great thing to see.

Q: Joe Staley called you (and himself) the "Nose Bros." after your bloody nose last week.

A: Yeah, the "Nose Bros." - sweet, that's great.

Q: How's your nose? That looked a little rough.

A: It's been better. I think it potentially could affect my post-career modeling.

Q: Did you hear Coach (Jim) Harbaugh say you were as tough as a $2 steak? Have you had a $2 steak?

A: Yeah, I imagine I have had a $2 steak. I definitely get it. I can picture myself chewing on it - and chewing, and chewing and chewing.

Q: It seems like one of the main 49ers setting the tone from a physical perspective is Justin Smith, but he's kind of a mystery to those of us outside the locker room. What's it like to be in the locker room with this crazed bruiser?

A: For me, he's a ton of fun to have around. Obviously, he's Mr. Consistency every time he steps on the field. He's just making plays and doing his job. But he's a fun guy to have in the locker room, a guy who takes his job very seriously. He's the ultimate guy; he's got friends at every position. You walk in one day and he's in there with his defensive line guys, and then the next day, he's in there eating with David Akers and Andy Lee and having fun with them.